Imaging local magnetic structure by polarized neutron holography

Abstract

Neutrons, due to their intrinsic magnetic moment, are suitable scattering particles for measuring magnetic structures. Long-range magnetic structure is routinely measured, but the imaging of local magnetic structure around selected nuclei with holography methods is still an open field. The aim of this study was to provide a reconstruction method for polarized neutron holography which is capable to separate and reconstruct the three components of atomic magnetic moments around the probe nucleus. The computer model of the magnetic interference pattern and the proposed reconstruction was set up to demonstrate the viability of the idea and to find the optimal experimental conditions. The simulation showed that the experimental conditions, most importantly the neutron intensity can be implemented at existing neutron sources, however, an instrument optimized for this experiment is required.